4. Transforming SMRs into HERs — the issues

The current phase of SMR development and the move to HERs is clouded
by uncertainty. In terms of computing, the issues revolve around the
extent to which HERs can progress to harness the technology available
to allow them either to hold or at least provide access to a much
wider range of information. The use of GIS and the Internet will be
crucial, as will the ability of national and local organisations to
incorporate interoperability into their record systems. Ultimately,
the major barrier to progress is resources, especially finance. The
current government review will surely highlight this as a major
factor preventing progress, alongside the sheer number and variety of
records that currently exist. Unless a solution can be found that can
lead to more uniform coverage across the country, then it seems
inevitable that SMRs and HERs will continue to progress at an uneven
pace and in an ad hoc fashion. This will in turn reinforce negative
impressions in some quarters and prevent SMRs and HERs from getting
the usage that they deserve.